Ryanair needs more space in Tampere
According to Finnish press (Tamperelainen), Ryanair is pushing for the development of Tampere Pirkkala Airport. Airpro, the subsidiary of Finnavia (the authority maintaining Finland’s network of airports and the air navigation system), has already prepared plans for the envisaged expansion of Pirkkala's Terminal Two, being used by FR only, but didn't actually put them into action. Wilhelm Hamilton, Ryanair's head of Nordic operations wants to speed up this process. - "In a few years we want to operate from here to some 20-25 destinations - he says. - "We do not need any sophisticated new buildings, but we need more space, particularly boarding gates there.
The local authorities say they have been waiting for the Ryanair's initiative before making some important decisions - "But we are very happy to hear from Ryanair as we too think there are more good airports in Finland, not Helsinki only. We want to act energetically". Ryanair and Finnish partners (Airpro, Finnavia and the authorities of Tampere and local district) are going to meet shortly to make the faster progress.
At present Ryanair flies to Tampere only. It is not interested in Helsinki-Vantaa. - "I just wonder how they can make a very costly renovation (in HEL) while the aviation business is in trouble. The marble floors and hardwood ornaments could become a memorial grave of 'old time' air travel - says Hamilton.